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November 11, 2004
Socially Responsible Coffee
Presently Starbucks procures about 10% of its coffee from growers who provide socially responsible (organic, bird- friendly-shade-grown coffee) coffee beans. They have recently announced that 60% of the coffee they sell in their stores will be fair-trade coffee by 2007. And Starbucks isn't the only one going down this path. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has been selling Fair Trade, organic coffee for years.
Fair Trade Certified coffee is from importers who have passed stringent international criteria, like paying a minimum price per pound of $1.26, helping them transition to organic farming through technical assistance, and providing much needed credit to farmers. Fair Trade Certified coffee growers are able to provide for their families. Check these links out.
* Fair Trade Coffee Retailers
* Sustainable Coffee Background
Some of the agricultural approaches often seen from these farmers is also sustainable agriculture in the sense that plant and animal diversity is maintained, and the resulting bean brews a better tasting cup of coffee. The organic practices, which don't produce as high a yield per acre as "full sun orchards", include inter-planting coffee with shade trees, composting, and eliminating harmful chemicals.
Since Starbucks is constantly increasing its market share, I find it comforting that they are starting to pay attention to customer needs and provide the coffee that's being asked for. Good on them for being more socially responsible too, with a world outlook. You can satisfy your guests needs, improve the flavor of the coffee you provide, and be socially responsible by providing Fair Trade, shade grown, organic coffee. Bring in more customers, make them happier so they come back more often, and do something for others. That's an ECOnomically Sound approach to business.
Posted by Kit Cassingham
